Song Ke naturally remembered. His father, Song Fang, was a frequent guest at Duke Xian Zheng Baichuan's residence. When he was five or six, he was often taken along to visit the Duke's household. Zheng Jingxian was a year younger than him—just a four-year-old toddler at the time. Her features resembled her father's, and since her childish face hadn't yet matured, she looked rather boyish. Yet she loved chasing after him, calling him "Brother Yifei." The ladies of the household would tease, saying, "Sister Xian likes Brother Ke so much—does she want to be his bride someday?" Zheng Jingxian would raise her thick brows, glare with wide eyes, and retort, "So what if I do? What's the big deal?" This always sent everyone into fits of laughter.
Song Ke found it tiresome. Having been reborn, he was no child at heart and paid little mind to such playful banter. But Zheng Jingxian's clinginess was still somewhat of a nuisance. As they grew older, the custom of separating boys and girls after the age of seven meant Zheng Jingxian was confined to the inner quarters, rarely seeing male visitors. Their occasional encounters were fleeting glimpses. Now, reunited, Zheng Jingxian had blossomed into a dignified young lady, though the bold spirit in her brow remained unchanged.
Zheng Jingxian, too, studied Song Ke silently. She saw him again in the Lin family's garden, standing beside a cluster of bamboo with a young servant, gazing toward the Gathered Verdure Residence. His indigo robe with its intricate patterns made him look like a straight pine tree, yet as faint as a wisp of cloud on the horizon. Zheng Jingxian recognized him instantly—the "Brother Yifei" she had often visited in her childhood. Her heart pounded wildly, her eyes unable to tear away, and she stood rooted to the spot long after Song Ke had left.
Now, as she looked at him, her face inexplicably grew warm.
Song Ke bowed slightly and said, "After so many years, I hardly dared to recognize you."
Zheng Jingxian turned sideways and curtsied, smiling. "My father often speaks of Magistrate Song, saying his scholarship was remarkable and his early passing a great pity. He also mentioned his only son, who showed extraordinary talent in poetry and literature even as a child, and wondered how he fares now."
Song Ke quickly returned the courtesy. "I’m honored Duke Xian still remembers. I shall pay him a visit soon."
It was merely a polite remark, but Zheng Jingxian immediately replied, "My father is currently staying at our ancestral home. He’ll be free tomorrow. I’ll tell him you’re coming and ask him not to go out." With that, she curtsied and took her leave.
Song Ke was taken aback and shook his head helplessly. This Miss Zheng’s temperament hadn’t changed—bossy as a child, even more so now. Even for a formal visit, one should first send a visiting card and arrange a suitable day, yet Zheng Jingxian had taken charge of the matter in a single sentence.
Yuexi and Junxi had been chatting near the outer study’s gate and witnessed the entire exchange. They exchanged glances. Yuexi whispered, "Duke Xian’s daughter is quite bold, daring to meet Master privately in someone else’s home. Doesn’t she fear damaging her reputation?"
Junxi curled her lip. "Seems to me she wouldn’t mind ruining her reputation if it meant clinging to Master. Just look at how she stares at him."
Yuexi hastily covered her mouth. "Don’t speak so recklessly."
Junxi retorted, "If she can stare like that, why can’t I say it?" After a pause, she added, "We should tell Xianglan about this. She and Master have feelings for each other. If this Miss Zheng—who doesn’t seem the accommodating type—marries into the household later, Xianglan will likely suffer. She ought to be prepared."
Yuexi said, "There’s no telling if things will go that far."
Junxi scoffed. "She’s already coming to our door. Isn’t that a sign?"Yuexi recalled the fervent gaze Zheng Jingxian had directed at Song Ke moments earlier and fell silent. She immediately called for Ludou and instructed, "Go to the back street and find Xianglan. Tell her that both Taitai from Duke Xian's household and Miss Zheng have arrived. They praised Master for quite some time, and Miss Zheng even asked Master to visit her father at their home tomorrow." With that, she handed Ludou a handful of coins.
Ludou took the money and left, knocking on the Chen family's door at the back street to relay Yuexi's message to Xianglan. Being sharp-witted, Xianglan understood immediately. She gave Ludou a handful of nuts and said, "I understand the situation. Please thank your sister Yuexi properly for me." Privately, she thought, "All three Lin sisters, along with Zheng Jingxian from Duke Xian's household, have taken a liking to Song Ke. It's no wonder—young ladies secluded in their chambers rarely get to meet men outside their families. Moreover, Song Ke is exceptionally handsome, with unparalleled grace and bearing, not to mention his scholarly talents. Even though his family has fallen on hard times, countless young maidens with budding affections would still be smitten."
She slowly sat down on a chair, musing, "The Duke Xian's household has thrived for three generations. Though not as illustrious as before, it remains a proper noble family. This generation has produced one or two capable individuals, enough to maintain the family's standing. Zheng Jingxian is the only daughter of the second wife, Wei Shi, and is dearly cherished by Duke Xian. If Song Ke were to marry her, his career would soar with the wind. No doubt this is something he would eagerly desire."
With a quiet sigh, she put away the half-finished shoes she had been making for Song Ke into a chest and locked it with a decisive click.
The next morning, Song Ke took his visiting card and went to the Zheng family ancestral home. The gatekeeper ushered him in, and a maidservant led him to the study. A young servant guarding the door said, "The master is practicing calligraphy and has asked not to be disturbed. Please wait a moment, young master."
Song Ke replied, "Of course, I wouldn't dream of disturbing an elder." He stood in the courtyard holding his gifts, thinking to himself, "Duke Xian certainly puts on airs. Even if I'm a junior, now that I've come to visit, unless there's urgent business, he should receive me. Yet here I am, made to stand in the courtyard just because he's amusing himself with calligraphy. Even Chief Assistant Shen, at the height of his power, never put on such airs."
Inside the room, Zheng Baichuan stood behind his desk, brush swiftly gliding across paper. In his fifties, with streaks of silver at his temples, he had inherited his family's noble title and lived a life of comfort. Once a censor, he had retired and now spent his days composing poetry and enjoying leisurely pursuits.
He glanced up and noticed Zheng Jingxian peeking through the door crack. Clearing his throat, he lowered his gaze and said, "What are you staring at? Can't bear to let him wait even a little?"
Pouting, Zheng Jingxian walked over and clung to his arm. "I was the one who invited him to visit you, Father. Making him stand in the courtyard now makes me look foolish.""Nonsense." Zheng Baichuan set down his brush and glared at Zheng Jingxian. "Who ever heard of inviting someone over to visit like this?" Yesterday, his wife and daughter had gone to the Song residence and returned full of praise for Song Ke. Upon questioning, he realized the mother and daughter had gone—one to assess a potential son-in-law, the other a future husband. He wasn’t an overly rigid man; there was no harm in looking, but the Song family had been in decline ever since Song Fang’s death, barely propped up by their former standing. Though they could still be considered descendants of officials, they were hardly noteworthy. His daughter, Zheng Jingxian, might not be a princess, but she was still a young lady of good breeding. To set her sights on such a family displeased him greatly, which was why he deliberately slighted Song Ke today.
Zheng Jingxian wouldn’t have it. She snatched the brush from her father’s hand and stamped her foot. "You can practice calligraphy anytime! Why must it be now? Hurry and let him in, quickly, quickly!"
Zheng Baichuan had no choice but to relent with his youngest daughter. He waved his hand and sighed, sitting back down.
Song Ke stood in the courtyard, lost in thought, his mind still preoccupied with Xianglan, when suddenly the door opened. Zheng Jingxian stood at the entrance, smiling brightly. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Please, come in."
Song Ke was momentarily taken aback but quickly understood the situation. He clasped his hands in greeting and entered, finding Zheng Baichuan seated behind a desk, his slightly plump face taut with tension. Song Ke bowed deeply. "This junior, Song Ke, pays his respects to the esteemed Lord Zheng."
From the moment Song Ke entered, Zheng Baichuan found his demeanor striking, and his expression softened slightly. But as he scrutinized the young man, he noticed Zheng Jingxian making exaggerated faces at him. Clearing his throat, he said, "Please, have a seat."
Song Ke took a seat in the armchair to the left and smiled. "I came in haste and didn’t prepare anything extravagant. However, my family possesses an antique inkstone, the work of a renowned master, which might be worth appreciating. I humbly offer it for your discerning eye."
This gesture aligned perfectly with Zheng Baichuan’s refined tastes, and his expression softened further. Before he could speak, Zheng Jingxian interjected, "That’s a wonderful gift! My father adores inkstones—he must have over a hundred in his collection. He’ll surely be delighted."
Zheng Baichuan sighed inwardly and said to Song Ke, "My youngest daughter has been spoiled and lacks propriety. Please don’t mind her." He shot Zheng Jingxian a stern look, and she stuck out her tongue before retreating to the side.
Song Ke thought to himself, Spoiled indeed. A young lady entering a guest’s study without a second thought—what kind of upbringing does this Marquis’s household have? Outwardly, however, he smiled and said, "Your daughter is forthright and spirited—a refreshing character."
Zheng Baichuan exchanged a few pleasantries with Song Ke, noting his composed demeanor and eloquent replies. Silently approving, he sighed and remarked, "I was once close with your father. We shared similar views during our time in the Bureau of Personnel Oversight. He often came to my residence to discuss literature over wine—such joyous times. Who would have thought we’d be separated by life and death? Truly lamentable."Song Ke said, "My late father often praised Old Master Zheng for his loyalty to the country and his courage in speaking frankly. His integrity was most admirable and greatly inspired my father's political views." Inwardly, he sneered, "Zheng Baichuan is an old fox. As soon as my father passed, he cut ties with our family. Despite years of friendship with my father, he never lifted a finger to help us orphans and widows during our hardest times. He's certainly not someone virtuous or reliable. If Zheng Jingxian hadn't insisted I come, I wouldn't have bothered visiting. This time, I'll just have to go through the motions."
Zheng Baichuan, however, was pleased by Song Ke's words and laughed, "You flatter me, you flatter me. But you, young man, are truly promising. I heard you'll be taking the imperial examination next month. How are your preparations coming along?"
Just as Song Ke was about to respond, Zheng Jingxian approached and said, "Father, I heard this year's chief examiner for the Jinling Provincial Examination is Lord Jiang Yun, whom you once promoted. Why don't you write him a letter and ask him to hint at a few exam topics?" After speaking, she glanced at Song Ke, her face flushing slightly before she quickly averted her gaze.
This suggestion not only darkened Zheng Baichuan's expression but also made Song Ke frown. He thought to himself, "Zheng Jingxian's words make it sound like I came here specifically to ask Zheng Baichuan for favors regarding the exam questions." Instantly, he felt displeased. Unbeknownst to him, though Zheng Jingxian appeared aloof and proud, her heart burned with passion like hot coals. Having taken a liking to Song Ke, she spared no effort in scheming for his benefit. However, being young, spoiled, and overly concerned, she had momentarily lost her composure.
Thank you rk_ow, cbbca, and hyhde8486 for the Peace Talismans, and thank you to everyone who cast pink votes for me! About the two He's Jade Disc bonus chapters I owe and the latest pink vote bonus chapter—I’ll definitely make good on them in the next couple of days. Please bear with me ^_^. It's the last day, so everyone, cast your pink votes for me, hehe~
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